U.S. patent application number 13/645930 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for rack and chassis for fiber optic sliding adapter modules.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Haataja. Invention is credited to Timothy Haataja.
Application Number | 20130094827 13/645930 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48086060 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130094827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haataja; Timothy |
April 18, 2013 |
RACK AND CHASSIS FOR FIBER OPTIC SLIDING ADAPTER MODULES
Abstract
A rack includes a first termination block disposed at the first
side of the rack. The termination block houses a termination
arrangement including a plurality of sliding adapter modules. The
adapter modules are configured to slide between a non-extended
position and an extended position. The adapter modules move away
from the rack when slid to the extended position. The adapter
modules have first ports facing towards the top of the rack and
second ports facing towards the bottom of the rack. Certain types
of racks also have a cable storage arrangement disposed at the
front of the rack.
Inventors: |
Haataja; Timothy; (Prior
Lake, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haataja; Timothy |
Prior Lake |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48086060 |
Appl. No.: |
13/645930 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61544754 |
Oct 7, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/46 20130101; G02B
6/4457 20130101; G02B 6/3897 20130101; G02B 6/3825 20130101; G02B
6/4478 20130101; G02B 6/4452 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/135 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/46 20060101
G02B006/46 |
Claims
1. A rack having a front, a rear, a top, a bottom, a first side,
and a second side, the rack comprising: a cable storage arrangement
disposed at the front of the rack, the cable storage arrangement
including cable routing channels extending between the top and the
bottom of the rack, the cable storage arrangement also including a
plurality of cable storage spools extending forwardly of the rack;
and a first termination block disposed at the first side of the
rack, the termination block housing a termination arrangement
including a plurality of sliding adapter modules, the adapter
modules being configured to slide between a non-extended position
and an extended position, wherein the adapter modules move away
from the rack when slid to the extended position, and wherein the
adapter modules have first ports facing towards the top of the rack
and second ports facing towards the bottom of the rack.
2. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a guide trough disposed
at the termination block, the guide trough extending between the
front and rear of the rack between the cable storage arrangement
and a horizontal trough extending across the rear of the rack.
3. The rack of claim 2, wherein the guide trough includes a
generally planar base that extends horizontally extending between
the front and rear of the rack.
4. The rack of claim 3, wherein side walls extend upwardly from the
base of the guide trough to retain fibers or cables routed
therethrough in the guide trough.
5. The rack of claim 4, wherein retention fingers extend inwardly
from the side walls.
6. The rack of claim 2, wherein the cable storage arrangement
includes inner channel members and outer channel members that
define the cable routing channels, wherein a first port of the
guide trough is located at a slot extending through one of the
outer channel members.
7. The rack of claim 6, wherein the cable storage spools are
disposed between the inner channel members.
8. The rack of claim 6, wherein a radius limiter extends between a
guide trough base and the slot defined in the outer channel member
to form the first port.
9. The rack of claim 7, wherein a second port of the guide trough
is provided at the respective horizontal trough and additional
radius limiters are provided at the second port to facilitate
transitioning fibers or cables onto the respective horizontal
trough.
10. The rack of claim 2, wherein a forward radius limiter curves
upwardly from a base at a front of the guide trough.
11. A termination block comprising: a housing having a top, a
bottom, a front, and a rear, the housing defining an interior, a
plurality of adapter modules disposed within the interior of the
housing, the adapter modules having first ports facing towards the
top of the housing and second ports facing towards the bottom of
the housing; a front routing trough provided at the front of the
housing, the front routing trough including a radius limiter at a
top of the front routing trough that extends beneath a radius
limiter that extends from the top of the housing to define an
entrance into the interior of the housing, the front routing trough
also including sidewalls from which at least one retention finger
extends inwardly; a plurality of upper bend radius limiters
disposed within the interior of the housing between the top of the
housing and the adapter modules, the upper bend radius limiters
being oriented to route optical fibers towards the first ports of
the adapter modules; and a plurality of lower bend radius limiters
disposed within the interior of the housing between the bottom of
the housing and the adapter modules, the lower bend radius limiters
being oriented to route optical fibers from the second ports of the
adapter modules towards the bottom of the housing.
12. The termination block of claim 11, wherein each of the adapter
modules is configured to slide between a non-extended position and
an extended position separate from the other adapter modules,
wherein the adapter modules move away from the rack when slid to
the extended position.
13. The termination block of claim 11, wherein the housing
comprises: a main panel; a rear panel extending outwardly from the
main panel to define a rear of the termination block; a top panel
extending outwardly from the main panel to define the top of the
termination block; a front panel extending outwardly from the main
panel to define a front of the termination block, wherein the front
routing trough is disposed at the front panel; and a bottom panel
extending outwardly from the main panel to define the bottom of the
termination block, the main panel, rear panel, top panel, front
panel, and bottom panel cooperating to define the interior of the
housing.
14. The termination block of claim 13, wherein the panels are
integrally formed with each other.
15. The termination block of claim 11, wherein the termination
block also includes a bend radius limiter that extends downwardly
and rearwardly from the front routing trough.
16. The termination block of claim 11, wherein each of the adapter
modules aligns with one of the upper bend radius limiters and one
of the lower bend radius limiters.
17. The termination block of claim 11, wherein the termination
block defines an exit port at the bottom, rear of the termination
block.
18. The termination block of claim 11, wherein each adapter module
defines twelve first ports and twelve second ports.
19. A method of routing an optical fiber on a rack having a cable
storage area at a front of the rack, a cable routing area at a rear
of the rack, and side termination modules, the method comprising:
routing a first optical fiber from the cable routing area along a
guide trough towards the front of the rack; transitioning the first
optical fiber from the guide trough to a front routing trough at
one of the side termination modules by routing the first optical
fiber between a bend radius limiter of the guide trough and a bend
radius limiter of the front routing trough; routing the first
optical fiber up the front routing trough to an entrance to an
interior of the side termination module; routing the first optical
fiber through the entrance, through the interior of the side
termination module above a plurality of upper bend radius limiters,
down through one of the upper bend radius limiters, and to a first
port of an adapter module disposed within the interior of the side
termination module.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: routing a second
optical fiber from a second port of the adapter module, down
towards a plurality of lower bend radius limiters, down through one
of the lower bend radius limiters, and along a bottom of the
termination block, wherein the bottom of the termination block is
raised above the guide trough; and routing the second optical fiber
out of an exit defined towards the rear of the rack and into a
curved routing guide attached to the termination block at the exit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/544,754, filed Oct. 7, 2011, and titled "Rack
and Chassis for Fiber Optic Sliding Adapter Modules," the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic
telecommunications equipment. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter module, a chassis for
holding the fiber optic adapter module, and a rack configured for
holding the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In telecommunications industry, the demand for added
capacity is growing rapidly. This demand is being met in part by
the increasing use and density of fiber optic transmission
equipment. Even though fiber optic equipment permits higher levels
of transmission in the same or smaller footprint than traditional
copper transmission equipment, the demand requires even higher
levels of fiber density. This has led to the development of
high-density fiber handling equipment.
[0004] An example of this type of equipment is found in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,591,051 (the '051 patent) assigned to ADC Telecommunications,
Inc. This patent concerns a high-density fiber distribution
frame/rack and high-density fiber termination blocks (FTBs) which
are mounted to the frame/rack. Because of the large number of
optical fibers passing into and out of the FTBs, the frame/rack and
blocks have a variety of structures to organize and manage the
fibers. Some structures are used to aid the fibers entering the
back of the frame/rack and FTBs. Other structures are provided for
managing the cables leaving the FTBs on the front. The FTBs also
include structures for facilitating access to the densely packed
terminations. One such structure is a slidable adapter module that
is incorporated into the FTBs to allow selective access to the
densely packed terminations inside the FTBs.
[0005] Further development in such fiber termination systems is
desired.
SUMMARY
[0006] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a fiber
optic telecommunications device. The telecommunications device
includes a fiber optic adapter module. The adapter module defines a
generally one-piece block of adapters for optically connecting
fiber optic cables terminated with connectors. The block defines a
plurality of openings for forming an integral array of
adapters.
[0007] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a chassis
configured to hold one or more of the fiber optic
telecommunications devices. The chassis is constructed and adapted
to enhance cable routing towards and away from the fiber optic
telecommunications devices.
[0008] Still other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a
rack on which one more of the chasses may be mounted. The rack is
constructed and adapted to enhance cable routing towards and away
from the chasses.
[0009] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth
in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate
to individual features and combinations of features. It is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only
and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which
the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a high-density fiber
distribution rack having features that are examples of inventive
aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure, the high-density fiber distribution rack shown with two
fiber termination blocks mounted thereon, the fiber termination
arrangements having features that are examples of inventive aspects
in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front, top perspective view of an example
termination arrangement including sliding adapter modules with one
of the adapter modules in an extended position and five of the
adapter modules in non-extended positions;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear, top view of the termination arrangement of
FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front, bottom view of an example adapter module
positioned in a non-extended position between two walls with a
first fiber optic connector received at a top, front port, a second
fiber optic connector received at a bottom, front port, and a third
fiber optic connector received at a top, rear port of the adapter
module;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear, top view of the example adapter module and
walls of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIGS. 6 and 7 are side elevational views of the example
adapter module and walls of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the example adapter
module and walls of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the example adapter
module and walls of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the example adapter module and
walls of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the example adapter module
and walls of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a top, rear view of an example wall suitable for
use with the adapter modules disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a bottom, front view of the example wall of FIG.
12;
[0022] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side elevational views of the example
wall of FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the example wall of FIG.
12;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the example wall of FIG.
12;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a top, front view of a first example adapter
module configured in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a bottom, rear view of the first example adapter
module of FIG. 18;
[0027] FIGS. 20 and 21 are side elevational views of the first
example adapter module of FIG. 18;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a rear elevational view of the first example
adapter module of FIG. 18;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a front elevational view of the first example
adapter module of FIG. 18;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the first example adapter
module of FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the first example adapter
module of FIG. 18;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a top, rear view of an example handle suitable
for use with the adapter modules disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a bottom, rear view of the example handle of FIG.
26;
[0034] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the example handle of FIG.
26;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the example handle of FIG.
26;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the example handle of
FIG. 26;
[0037] FIG. 31 is a top, front view of a second example adapter
module configured in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 32 is a bottom, rear view of the second example adapter
module of FIG. 31;
[0039] FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the second example adapter
module of FIG. 31 including a termination block, a handle, a
circuit board, and a cover in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 34 is a first side elevational view of the first
example adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0041] FIG. 35 is a second side elevational view of the first
example adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0042] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the first example adapter
module of FIG. 31;
[0043] FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the first example adapter
module of FIG. 31;
[0044] FIG. 38 is a rear elevational view of the first example
adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0045] FIG. 39 is a front elevational view of the first example
adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0046] FIGS. 40-47 show one example termination block suitable for
use with the second example adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0047] FIGS. 48 and 49 show one example circuit board suitable for
use with the second example adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0048] FIGS. 50-55 show one example cover suitable for use with the
second example adapter module of FIG. 31;
[0049] FIG. 56 shows one example circuit board suitable for use as
a master circuit board in a termination arrangement in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 57 is a side elevational view of a third example
adapter module having a handle located at a same side of the
adapter module as a locking tab in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the second adapter
module of FIGS. 31-39 showing an LC-type fiber optic connector
engaging a contact member of a media reading interface of the
second example adapter module in accordance with aspects of the
disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 59 is a front elevational view of an example rack on
which one or more termination blocks holding termination
arrangements may be mounted;
[0053] FIG. 60 is a rear elevational view of the example rack of
FIG. 59;
[0054] FIG. 61 is a side elevational view of the example rack of
FIG. 59;
[0055] FIG. 62 is a front, side perspective view of a section of
the rack of FIG. 59 with the termination blocks removed for ease in
view of the guide troughs;
[0056] FIG. 63 is a front perspective view of the rack section
shown in FIG. 62;
[0057] FIG. 64 is a front, side perspective view of a section of
the rack of FIG. 59 including termination blocks;
[0058] FIG. 65 is a front perspective view of the rack section of
FIG. 65;
[0059] FIG. 66 is a front, side perspective view of an example
termination block having features that are examples of inventive
aspects of the present disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 67 is a rear, side perspective view of the termination
block of FIG. 66;
[0061] FIG. 68 is a side elevational view of the termination block
of FIG. 66;
[0062] FIG. 69 is a front elevational view of the termination block
of FIG. 66;
[0063] FIG. 70 is a rear elevational view of the termination block
of FIG. 66;
[0064] FIGS. 71-75 illustrate some non-limiting example cable
routing paths through the rack; and
[0065] FIG. 76 is a front, side perspective view of the example
rack of FIG. 59 with the termination arrangements removed from the
termination blocks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] Reference will now be made in detail to examples of
inventive aspects of the present disclosure which are illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0067] A high-density distribution rack 100 and two high-density
fiber termination blocks 110 having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure are illustrated in FIG. 1. A similar high-density
distribution rack 100 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,591,051, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, the fiber distribution rack 100 is
adapted to receive two vertical rows of six of the fiber
termination arrangements 110, two of which are shown mounted in
FIG. 1. Similar fiber termination arrangements are also described
in the '051 patent. Located intermediately between these two rows
of fiber termination arrangements 110 is a jumper storage trough
102 that defines a series of spools for organizing and storing
excess slack in cross-connect cables used to link between optical
fiber terminations inside the fiber termination arrangements
110.
[0069] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one example implementation of a
fiber termination arrangement 110 having features that are examples
of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure. Each fiber termination arrangement 110 includes
a plurality of sliding adapter modules 120 and walls 140 having
features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with
the principles of the present disclosure. The sliding adapter
modules 120 are configured to slide along the walls 140 between
non-extended positions and extended positions to provide selective
access to fiber optic connectors 130 mounted thereat. The adapter
modules 120 slide in a direction generally non-parallel to the
longitudinal axes A of the connectors mounted on the modules (see
FIG. 6).
[0070] Each of the adapter modules 120 is separately slideable
relative to the other adapter modules 120. In the example shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, the fiber termination arrangement 110 includes six
sliding adapter modules 120 mounted between seven walls 140. Five
the adapter modules 120 are in the non-extended positions and one
of the adapter modules 120 is in the extended position. Moving the
adapter module 120 to the extended position facilitates access to
any connectors 130 held at the adapter module 120.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 5-11, the sliding adapter module 120
is shown slidably mounted on a pair of walls 140 that cooperatively
form a track for the slidable adapter module 120. In FIGS. 5-11,
the sliding adapter module 120 is shown in a retracted position
relative to the walls 140.
[0072] Each wall 140 is designed to provide slidability for the
adapter module 120. In FIGS. 12-17, one example wall 140 is shown
in closer detail. Each wall 140 has a first side 141 and a second
side 142. In certain implementations, the first and second sides
141, 142 are generally identical. Each wall 140 also includes a
guiding section 143 and a support section 144. In some
implementations, a guiding section 143 is formed on each side 141,
142. The support section 144 includes one or more ribs 145 that
provide structural support for the wall 140.
[0073] The guiding section 143 includes a latching member adjacent
a first end. The latching member defines a ramp 146 and a shoulder
147. The shoulder 147 faces the first end at a position spaced from
the first end. In some implementations, a second end of the guiding
section 143 includes a notched tab 148. The intersection of the
support section 144 and the guiding section 143 at the second end
of the guiding section 143 defines a shoulder 149. One end of the
support section 144 also defines fastener openings 159 for mounting
the walls 140 to a telecommunications device, such as a panel or a
fiber termination block (see FIG. 1).
[0074] The wall 140 also defines a plurality of linear grooves 150
on opposite sides 141, 142 of the guiding section 143 of the wall
140. In the example shown, the guiding section 143 includes a first
groove 151, a second groove 152, and a third groove 153 of each
side 141, 142 of the wall 140. The third groove 153 is positioned
between the first and second grooves 151, 152. In other
implementations, however, the guiding section 143 may include
greater or fewer grooves 150. Each of the grooves 150 of one wall
140 is configured to cooperate with an opposing groove 150 from an
adjacent wall 140 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) to provide a track for the
sliding adapter module 120, as will be described in further detail
below.
[0075] In some implementations, at least a portion of at least one
of the grooves 150 is dovetailed. In the example shown, a top
section 154 of the first groove 151 is dovetailed and a top section
155 of the second groove 152 is dovetailed. The remaining lengths
of both grooves 151, 152 have generally rectangular transverse
cross-sections. In other implementations, the grooves 151, 152 are
dovetailed along their entire length. In certain implementations,
the third groove 153 is dovetailed along a portion of its length.
In the example shown, the third groove 153 is not dovetailed.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 18-25, one example implementation of
a sliding adapter module 120 is illustrated. The adaptor module 120
includes a module housing 121 having a first side 129 and a second
side 169 extending between a top 127 and a bottom 128. The module
housing 121 defines a plurality of passages 122 extending between a
first end and a second end of the module housing 121. The passages
122 are aligned parallel to each other in a column extending
between the top 127 of the module housing 121 to the bottom 128 of
the module housing 121
[0077] Each end of each passage 122 forms an adapter port at which
a fiber optic connector 130 may be received along an insertion axis
I (FIG. 20). In some implementations, the adapter ports are
configured to receive LC-type fiber optic connectors 130. In such
implementations, a split sleeve 123 is located within each passage
122. In other implementations, the adapter ports are configured to
receive other types of fiber optic connectors (e.g., SC-type
connectors, FC-type connectors, ST-type connectors, etc.). In some
such implementations, other ferrule alignment structures may be
located within the passages 122).
[0078] In some implementations, the ends of the passage 122 define
latching notches 124 at which a latching arm of an LC-type
connector 130 may be received. In the example shown, the adapter
ports are oriented so that the latching notches 124 face the second
side 169 of the module housing 121. In certain implementations, the
passages 122 are spaced closer to the first side 129 of the module
housing 121 than the second side 169 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). For
example, the passages 122 may be positioned relative to the first
and second sides 129, 169 so that a sufficient gap remains between
the latching notches 124 and the second side 169 to accommodate the
latching arms of the connectors 130.
[0079] In some implementations, the adapter module housing 121 has
a rectangular shape. In other implementations, the adapter module
housing 121 has a stepped configuration with one or more passages
122 located at each step 125. For example, in certain
implementations, the module housing 121 may define a series of
steps 125 that are laterally offset from each other along the
insertion axes of the ports. In the example shown, the adapter
housing 121 defines six steps 125. In other implementations, the
module housing 121 may define greater or fewer steps 125 (e.g.,
one, two, four, eight, etc.).
[0080] In some implementations, each step 125 of the module housing
121 defines a single passage 122. In other implementations,
however, each step 125 of the module housing 121 defines a
plurality of passages 122. A separator wall 126 extends between
adjacent passages 122 of each step 125. In the example shown, each
step 125 of the module housing 121 defines two passages 122. In
other implementations, each step 125 may define greater or fewer
passages 122 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.).
[0081] For slidability, the adapter module housing 121 defines a
plurality of cooperating guide rails 160 for slidably mating with
the grooves 150 define in the wall 140. The guide rails 160 include
first and second guide rails 161, 162, respectively, which extend
generally parallel to each other between the top 167 and bottom 168
of the module housing 121. The guide rails 160 also include a guide
extension 163 adjacent the bottom 168 of the housing 121. In the
example shown, the guide rails 160 extend diagonally along the
first and second sides 129, 169 of the module housing 121.
[0082] When in the extended position, the module housing 121 is
secured to the walls 140 over a relatively small surface area at
the bottom of the guide rails 160 and the top of the wall grooves
150. The two guide rails 161, 162 cooperate to secure the module
housing 121 to the walls 140 even when the module housing 121 is in
the extended position. For example, having two guide rails 161, 162
instead of a single guide rail provides increased surface area
contact between the module housing 121 and the wall grooves 150,
which may facilitate maintaining retaining the module housing 121
between the walls 140. The guide extension 163 also provides
increased contact with the walls 140 when the module housing 121 is
in the extended position.
[0083] In some implementations, the first and second guide rails
161, 162 are dovetailed along at least a portion of their lengths
to facilitate maintaining the guide rails 160 within the wall
grooves 150. In certain implementations, one or both of the first
and second guide rails 161, 162 are dovetailed along their entire
length. In the example shown, the first guide rail 161 is
dovetailed along its entire length; the second guide rail 162 is
dovetailed along a majority of its length and has a generally
rectangular transverse cross-section for the rest of its length. In
one implementation, the guide extension 163 is dovetailed. In
another implementation, the guide extension has a rectangular
transverse cross-section. In one implementation, both ends of the
guide extension 163 are squared-off. In other implementations, the
top end of the guide extension 163 is rounded, tapered, or
otherwise contoured.
[0084] The top 127 of the module housing 121 is configured to
receive a handle 170. For example, in certain implementations, a
rotation pin 167 and a stop edge 168 are located on either side
129, 169 at the top 127 of the module housing 121. The bottom 128
of the module housing 121 defines a locking tab 165. The handle 170
and the locking tab 165 cooperate to releasably secure the module
housing 121 in the non-extended position when mounted to the walls
140. The locking tab 165 also may aid in securing the module
housing 121 in the extended position as will be described in more
detail herein.
[0085] In some implementations, the locking tab 165 is located
below the bottom-most passage 122 of the adapter module 121. In
certain implementations, the locking tab 165 is monolithically
formed with the adapter module 121. The locking tab 165 includes a
latching edge 166 at an end of a spring portion. In the example
shown, the locking tab 165 defines a spring portion that extends
outwardly from the housing along the insertion axis I of the ports
and folds or loops back towards the adapter housing 121. The
latching edge 166 extends outwardly from the spring portion towards
the first and second sides 129, 169 of the module housing 121.
[0086] In some implementations, the module housing 121 and the
integral locking tab 165 are molded out of materials that are
flexible and sufficiently strong to allow for repeated elastic
rotation. In certain embodiments, the module housing 121 and
locking tab 165 may be made from VALOX.RTM. PBT Resin.
[0087] One example handle 170 is shown in FIGS. 26-30. The handle
170 includes two arms 171 that each define a pin opening 172. The
pin opening 172 of each arm 171 is sized and shaped to fit over the
rotation pin 167 at one side 129, 169 of the module housing 121.
Each arm 171 of the handle 170 defines an abutment surface 175 that
is configured to interact with a respective wall 140 to release the
module housing 121 from the non-extended position as will be
described in more detail herein.
[0088] A grip surface 173 extends between the two arms 171. The
grip surface 173 facilitates moving the module housing 121 between
the non-extended and extended positions. In the example shown, the
grip surface 173 defines an opening 174. In certain
implementations, the opening 174 is sized to enable a finger of a
user to be inserted into the opening to provide a better grip on
the handle 170. In other implementations, the opening 174 is sized
and shaped to provide clearance for the connectors. In still other
implementations, the grip surface 173 may be solid. In the example
shown, the grip surface 173 defines a rounded end opposite the arms
171. In other implementations, the end of the grip surface 173 may
be squared or otherwise contoured.
[0089] The handle 170 pivots between a first position (see FIG. 6),
in which the grip surface 173 extends generally parallel to the
insertion axes I of the adapter ports, and a second position (see
FIG. 2), in which the grip surface extends generally parallel to
the guide rails 160 of the module housing 121. In some
implementations, the arms 171 of the handle 170 rest stop edge 168
of the module housing 121 when the handle 170 is in the first
position to inhibit further movement of the handle 170 beyond the
first position. The abutment surface 175 of the handle engages the
stop edge 168 when the handle 170 is in the second position to
inhibit further movement of the handle 170 beyond the second
position.
[0090] In some implementations, the handle 170 is located on an
opposite side of the guide rails 160 from the locking tab 165. In
some such implementations, the abutment surfaces 175 of the handle
170 are configured to engage the shoulders 149 of the housings 140
that are defined above the support section 144. In other
implementations, the handle 170 is located on the same side of the
guide rails 160 as the locking tab 165 (see FIG. 57). In some such
implementations, the abutment surfaces 175 of the handle 170 engage
notches defines in the walls 140 opposite the support section
144.
[0091] A module housing 121 is installed by positioning the adapter
module 120 at the walls 140 so that the locking tab 165 faces away
from the support structure 144 and the guide rails 160 at the
bottom 128 of the module housing 121 align with the grooves 150 at
the top of two adjacent walls 140 (see FIG. 2). The first guide
rail 161 is aligned with the first wall groove 151, the second
guide rail 162 is aligned with the second wall groove 152, and the
guide extension 163 is aligned with the third wall groove 153. The
dovetailed sections of the guide rails 161, 162 fit into the
dovetailed sections 154, 155 of the wall grooves 151, 152,
respectively, and the module housing 121 is slid at least partially
downwardly along the wall grooves 150. When the module housing 121
reaches the bottom of the walls 140, the latching edge 166 of the
locking tab 165 cams over the ramp 146 of each wall 140 and snaps
behind the shoulder 147 of each wall 140 to releasably lock the
adapter module 120 in the non-extended position. The handle 170 is
rotated to the first position (see FIG. 4).
[0092] To move the adapter module 120 to the extended position, a
user rotates the handle 170 to the second position. Rotating the
handle 170 causes the abutment surface 175 of the handle 170 to
press against the shoulder 149 defined on each wall 140, thereby
applying sufficient force to the adapter module 120 to release the
latching edge 166 of the locking tab 165 from the shoulders 147 of
the opposing walls 140. For example, the force may move the module
housing 121 forward, thereby lifting the latching edge 166 out from
behind the shoulders 147 (e.g., by elastically flexing the spring
portion of the locking tab 165). When the latching edge 166 is
released, the module housing 121 may be freely moved along the wall
grooves 150. When the module housing 121 reaches the top of the
walls 140, the latching edge 166 of the locking tab 165 snaps into
the notched tab 148 of each of the opposing walls 140 to releasably
lock the adapter module 120 in the extended position relative to
the walls 140. As such, when the adapter module 120 is in the fully
extended position (see FIGS. 2 and 3), the module housing 121 is
inhibited from sliding off the walls 140.
[0093] If desired (e.g., for repair or replacement of the adapter
module 120), at the fully extended position, the adapter module 120
may be fully removed from the walls 140. In some implementations,
the module housing 121 is removed from the walls 140 by applying
sufficient force to the module housing 121 to snap the latching
edge 166 of the locking tab 165 out of the notched tab 148. In
other implementations, the module housing 120 is removed from the
walls 140 by squeezing or pressing on the spring portion of the
locking tab 165 to flex the latching edge 166 out of the notched
tab 148 of each wall 140.
[0094] The adapter module 120, by being manufactured from a
single-piece housing 121 defining an integral block of adapters,
can have reduced overall length, width, and height as compared the
same number of separate adapters positioned adjacent each other,
thereby allowing for higher density of fiber terminations. For
example, each adapter opening 122 includes a major dimension D1
(FIG. 22) and a minor dimension D2 (FIG. 20) wherein the major
dimension D1 is greater than the minor dimension D2 (see FIG. 23).
The module housing 121 is configured such that openings 122 are
lined up along their minor dimensions D2 forming a length L (FIG.
21) for the entire array of adapters (see FIG. 23).
[0095] The major dimension D1 is sized to generally correspond to
the key area of an LC-type connector 130 and the minor dimension D2
is sized to generally correspond to the shorter sides of the
LC-type connector 130, which are commonly known in the art. By
aligning the minor dimensions D2 of the adapter ports to form the
array of adapters, the overall length L of the array of adapters
can be reduced relative to separately mounted adapters. In some
implementations, the overall length L may range from about 3 inches
to about 3.3 inches. In one example implementation, the overall
length L is about 3.16 inches and each step is about 0.5 inches
long. In other implementations, however, the adapter module 120 may
be longer or shorter.
[0096] FIGS. 31-56 show another example implementation of an
adapter module 200 that is configured to slide along the walls 140
between a non-extended position and an extended position to provide
selective access to fiber optic connectors 130 mounted thereat. The
adapter modules 200 slides in a direction generally non-parallel to
the longitudinal axes A of the connectors 130 mounted on the
modules 200.
[0097] The adaptor module 200 includes a module housing 201 having
a first side 202 and a second side 203 extending between a top 204
and a bottom 205. The module housing 201 defines a plurality of
passages 206 extending between a first end 207 and a second end 208
of the module housing 201. The passages 206 are aligned parallel to
each other in a column extending between the top 204 and bottom 205
of the module housing 201
[0098] Each end of each passage 206 forms an adapter port at which
a fiber optic connector 130 may be received along an insertion axis
I' (FIG. 20). In some implementations, the adapter ports are
configured to receive LC-type fiber optic connectors 130. In such
implementations, a split sleeve is located within each passage 206.
In other implementations, the adapter ports are configured to
receive other types of fiber optic connectors (e.g., SC-type
connectors, FC-type connectors, ST-type connectors, etc.). In some
such implementations, other ferrule alignment structures may be
located within the passages 206).
[0099] In some implementations, the ends of the passage 206 define
latching notches 209 at which a latching arm of an LC-type
connector 130 may be received. In the example shown, the adapter
ports are oriented so that the latching notches 209 face the second
side 203 of the module housing 201. In certain implementations, the
passages 206 are spaced closer to the first side 202 of the module
housing 201 than to the second side 203 (see FIGS. 38 and 39). For
example, the passages 206 may be positioned relative to the first
and second sides 202, 203 so that a sufficient gap remains between
the latching notches 209 and the second side 203 to accommodate the
latching arms of the connectors 130.
[0100] In some implementations, the adapter module housing 201 has
a rectangular shape. In other implementations, the adapter module
housing 201 has a stepped configuration with one or more passages
206 located at each step 210. For example, in certain
implementations, the module housing 201 may define a series of
steps 210 that are laterally offset from each other along the
insertion axes I' of the ports. In the example shown, the adapter
housing 201 defines six steps 210. In other implementations, the
module housing 201 may define greater or fewer steps 210 (e.g.,
one, two, four, eight, etc.).
[0101] In some implementations, each step 210 of the module housing
201 defines a single passage 206. In other implementations,
however, each step 210 of the module housing 201 defines a
plurality of passages 206. A separator wall 211 extends between
adjacent passages 206 of each step 210. In the example shown, each
step 211 of the module housing 201 defines two passages 206. In
other implementations, each step 210 may define greater or fewer
passages 206 (e.g., one, three, four, etc.).
[0102] For slidability, the adapter module housing 201 defines a
plurality of cooperating guide rails 212 for slidably mating with
the grooves 150 define in the wall 140. The guide rails 212 include
first and second guide rails 213, 214, respectively, which extend
generally parallel to each other between the top 204 and bottom 205
of the module housing 201. The guide rails 212 also include a guide
extension 215 adjacent the bottom 205 of the housing 201. In the
example shown, the guide rails 212 extend diagonally along the
first and second sides 202, 203 of the module housing 201.
[0103] In some implementations, the first and second guide rails
213, 214 are dovetailed along at least a portion of their lengths
to facilitate maintaining the guide rails 212 within the wall
grooves 150. In certain implementations, one or both of the first
and second guide rails 213, 214 are dovetailed along their entire
length. In the example shown, the first guide rail 213 is
dovetailed along its entire length; the second guide rail 214 is
dovetailed along a majority of its length and has a generally
rectangular transverse cross-section for the rest of its length. In
one implementation, the guide extension 215 is dovetailed. In
another implementation, the guide extension has a rectangular
transverse cross-section. In one implementation, both ends of the
guide extension 215 are squared-off. In other implementations, the
top end of the guide extension 215 is rounded, tapered, or
otherwise contoured.
[0104] The top 204 of the module housing 201 is configured to
receive a handle 216. For example, in certain implementations, a
rotation pin 217 and a stop edge 218 are located on either side
202, 203 at the top 204 of the module housing 201. In some
implementations, the rotation pin 217 and stop edge 218 are
configured to receive the handle 170 described herein. In other
implementations, another type of handle may be utilized. The bottom
205 of the module housing 201 defines a locking tab 219. In some
implementations, the locking tab 219 is the same as locking tab 165
of the module housing 121 described herein. In other
implementations, a different type of locking tab may be
utilized.
[0105] The handle 216 and the locking tab 219 cooperate to
releasably secure the module housing 201 in the non-extended
position when mounted to the walls 140 (e.g., in the same way that
the handle 170 and the locking tab 165 secure the module housing
121 in the non-extended position). The locking tab 219 also may aid
in securing the module housing 201 in the extended position (e.g.,
in the same way that the locking tab 165 secured the module housing
121 in the extended position). In the example shown, the handle 216
is located at an opposite side of the guide rails 212 from the
locking tab 219. In other implementations, however, the handle 216
may be located on the same side of the guide rails 212 as the
locking tab 219.
[0106] In some implementations, the locking tab 219 is
monolithically formed with at least part of the module housing 201.
In some such implementations, the locking tab 219 is molded out of
materials that are flexible and sufficiently strong to allow for
repeated elastic rotation. In certain embodiments, the locking tab
219 may be made from VALOX.RTM. PBT Resin.
[0107] In accordance with some aspects, certain types of adapter
modules 200 may be configured to collect physical layer information
from one or more fiber optic connectors 130 received thereat. For
example, certain types of adapter modules 200 may include media
reading interfaces that are configured to engage memory contacts on
the fiber optic connectors 130. Example fiber optic connectors
having suitable memory storage and memory contacts are shown in
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,841, filed Feb. 11, 2011, titled
"Managed Fiber Connectivity Systems," the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 33, the module housing 201 of the adapter
module 200 may be formed from two or more separate pieces to
accommodate the media reading interfaces. In some implementations,
the module housing 201 includes an adapter block 220 and a
separately formed cover 230. The cover 230 secures to the adapter
block 220 (e.g., via fasteners, latches, pegs, etc.) to form the
module housing 201. When secured together, the adapter block 220
defines the first side 202 of the module housing 201 and the cover
230 defines the second side 203. Accordingly, the adapter block 220
defines a first set 222 of guide rails 212, a first rotation pin
223, and a first stop edge 224. The cover 230 defines a second set
232 of guide rails 212, a second rotation pin 233, and a second
stop edge 234.
[0109] In some implementations, the adapter block 220 defines the
passages 206 and holds the ferrule alignment devices (e.g., split
sleeves). The adapter block 220 also forms the locking tab 219. In
other implementations, the adapter block 220 and cover 230 may each
define channels that cooperate to define the passages 206 and/or
the locking tab 219. In certain implementations, the connector
latching notches 209 formed at the adapter ports are positioned
adjacent the cover 230. Accordingly, the thickness of the cover 230
provides space to facilitate grasping the latching arms of
connectors 130 received at the adapter ports.
[0110] One or more media reading interfaces may be positioned in
the adapter block 220. In certain implementations, one or more
slots 226 may be defined in an exterior surface 225 of the adapter
block 220 to provide access to the media reading interfaces.
Certain types of media reading interfaces include one or more
contact members 227 that are positioned in the slots 226. As shown
in FIG. 58, a portion of each contact member 227 extends into a
respective one of the passages 206 to engage memory contacts on a
fiber optic connector 130. Another portion of each contact member
227 also extends out of the slot 226 to contact a circuit board
240.
[0111] In some implementations, the circuit board 240 is held
between the termination block 220 and the cover 230. For example,
fasteners may extend through the cover 230, through the circuit
board 240, and into the termination block 220 to secure the pieces
together. In other implementations, the circuit board 240 may be
molded integrally formed with the cover 230, which is then secured
to the termination block 220. In the example shown, the circuit
board 240 has a body having the same stepped-configuration as the
adapter block 220 and cover 230. In other implementations, the
circuit board 240 may be smaller than the adapter block 220 and
cover 230. In still other implementations, multiple circuit boards
240 may be held between the termination block 220 and cover
230.
[0112] Non-limiting examples of media reading interface contact
members and a description of how such contact members obtain
physical layer information from fiber optic connectors can be found
in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/025,841, which is incorporated by
reference above.
[0113] In some implementations, the walls 140 may define conductive
paths that are configured to connect the media reading interfaces
of the adapter modules 200 with a master circuit board 250 (FIG.
56). The master circuit board 250 may include or connect (e.g.,
over a network) to a processing unit that is configured to manage
physical layer information obtained by the media reading
interfaces. In some implementations, the master circuit board 250
may extend between two or more walls 140. For example, as shown in
FIG. 3, the master circuit board 250 may extend across a bottom of
each wall 140 in a termination arrangement 110.
[0114] In some implementations, the conductive paths may run along
one or both exterior side surfaces of the walls 140 between the top
and bottom of the walls 140. The conductive paths are located so
that a media reading interface for each passage 206 of the adapter
module 200 intersects at least one of the conductive paths. Certain
types of walls 140 include at least three conductive paths (e.g.,
one for power, one for ground, and one for data). Certain types of
walls 140 include at least four conductive paths. Certain types of
walls 140 include a conductive path for each contact member 227 of
each media reading interface of the adapter module 200.
[0115] Other types of walls 140 include a conductive path for each
contact member 227 within a single media reading interface. For
example, in some implementations, a first contact member of each
media reading interface of an adapter module 200 may connect to a
first conductive path; a second contact member of each media
reading interface of the adapter module 200 may connect to a second
conductive path; and a third contact member of each media reading
interface of the adapter module 200 may connect to a third
conductive path. Communication between the contact members 227 and
the master circuit board 250 may occur in a serial bus
configuration (e.g., a CAN bus). In some such implementations, the
media reading interfaces of an adapter module 200 remain connected
to the master circuit board 250 while the adapter module 200 is
moved between the non-extended and extended positions.
[0116] FIGS. 59-76 show another example implementation of a
high-density distribution rack 300 configured to hold one or more
high-density fiber termination blocks 330 having features that are
examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure. The rack 300 has a front 301, a rear 302, a
first side 303, and a second side 304 extending between a bottom
305 and a top 306. The rack 300 includes one or more vertical
support bars 398 extending between one or more horizontal strength
bars (see FIG. 75).
[0117] One or more horizontal troughs 307 extend across the rear
302 of the rack 300 between the first side 303 and the second side
304 (FIG. 60). Each of the horizontal troughs 307 is spaced from
the other troughs 307. Each trough 307 includes a horizontally
extending shelf 308 that extends rearwardly from the rear 302 of
the rack 300 (FIG. 61). Each trough 307 also includes a lip 309
that is sized and configured to retain cables on the shelf 308. In
the example shown, the lip 309 extends generally orthogonal to the
shelf 308. In the example shown, the rack 300 includes six troughs
307. In other implementations, however, the rack 300 may include
any desired number of troughs 307.
[0118] A cable storage arrangement 310 extends along the front 301
of the rack 300. In certain implementations, the cable storage
arrangement 310 is disposed at a central portion of the front 301
of the rack 300. The storage arrangement 310 includes inner channel
members 311 that define at least one cable storage and routing
channel extending between the bottom 305 and the top 306 of the
rack 300 at the front of the rack 300. In the example shown, two
channel members 311 are spaced apart to define a central storage
and routing channel 313, a left storage and routing channel 314,
and a right storage and routing channel 315. Inner retention
fingers 312 extend inwardly from the inner channel members 311.
[0119] One or more cable spools 316 are disposed in a central one
of the cable routing channels 307. Twelve cable spools 316 are
shown disposed in the channel 307 in the implementation of FIG. 59.
In other implementations, however, a greater or lesser number of
spools 316 may be disposed in the channel 307. Outer retention
fingers 319 extend outwardly from the channel members 311 across
the left and right channels 314, 315. Each of the left and right
channels 314, 315, respectively, is bounded by outer channel
members 317. Each of the outer channel members 317 defines a slot
or opening 318 therethrough that provides access to the outer
channels 314, 315 from respective sides 303, 304 of the rack
300.
[0120] At least one of the sides 303, 304 of the rack 300 is
constructed and adapted to hold one or more high-density fiber
termination blocks 330 having features that are examples of
inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure. In certain implementations, the termination blocks 330
may be installed at block mounting locations at both sides 303, 304
of the rack 300. In certain implementations, the termination blocks
330 attach to the vertical support racks 398 (see FIGS. 75 and 76).
In the example shown in FIG. 61, six termination blocks 330 may be
mounted to each side 303, 304 of the rack 300. In other
implementations, however, a greater or lesser number of termination
blocks 330 may be installed to each side 303, 304 of the rack
300.
[0121] A guide trough 320 is disposed on the rack 300 for each
termination block 330. The guide troughs 320 extend generally
between the front 301 and rear 302 of the rack 300. Each guide
trough 320 includes a generally planar base 321 extending
horizontally between the cable storage arrangement 310 and one of
the horizontal troughs 307. Side walls 322 extend upwardly from the
base 321 of the guide trough 320 to retain fibers or cables routed
therethrough in the guide trough 320. In certain implementations,
retention fingers 323 extend inwardly from the side walls 322.
[0122] A first port 325 of the guide trough 320 is located at one
of the slots 318 extending through one of the outer channel members
317. A forward radius limiter 324 curves upwardly from the base 321
at the front of the guide trough 320. Another radius limiter 326
extends between the guide trough base 321 and the slot 318 defined
in the outer member 317 to form the first port 325. The radius
limiter 326 facilitates transitioning the fibers or cables from the
guide trough 320 to a respective outer storage and routing channel
314, 315. A second port 327 of the guide trough 320 is provided at
the respective horizontal trough 307. Additional radius limiters
328 are provided at the second port 327 to facilitate transitioning
the fibers or cables onto the respective horizontal trough 307.
[0123] The termination blocks 330 and guide troughs 320 are
disposed in a pairs on the rack 300. In some implementations, each
pair is disposed close to upper and/or lower adjacent pairs so that
the termination blocks 330 and guide troughs 320 form a compact,
stacked formation. For example, in some implementations, the top of
one termination block 330 is located immediately below a bottom of
an adjacent trough 320.
[0124] FIGS. 66-70 show one example high density termination block
330 suitable for mounting at a side 303, 304 of the rack 300. The
termination block 330 includes a main panel 331 from which a rear
panel 332, a top panel 333, a front panel 340, and a bottom panel
341 extend outwardly to define an interior of the block 330. In
some implementations, the main panel 331, rear panel 332, top panel
333, front panel 340, and bottom panel 341 are integrally formed.
In other implementations, these panels 331, 332, 333, 340, 341 are
formed separately and attached together (e.g., screwed, riveted,
welded, etc.).
[0125] A front routing trough 336 is coupled to the front panel 340
via a radius limiter 335 (see FIG. 66). The routing trough 336
includes side walls 337 from which one or more retention fingers
338 extend inwardly. The routing trough 336 forms a bottom radius
limiter 339 the curves downwardly and rearwardly from the trough
336. A forward radius limiter 334 extends forwardly of the top
panel 333 and over the radius limiter 335 to define an entrance 356
(see FIG. 68) into the interior of the block 330. The entrance 356
extends upwardly along the front routing trough 336, between the
radius limiters 334, 335, and into a top portion of the block
interior.
[0126] A bottom of the rear panel 332 is spaced from the bottom
panel 341 of the termination block 330 to form an exit 358 from the
block interior (see FIG. 68). Retention tabs 342 extend upwardly
from sides of the bottom panel 341 to facilitate routing cables
along a bottom portion of the block interior towards the exit 358.
A curved routing guide 345 may be attached to the rear of the
termination block 330 at the exit 358 (see FIG. 67). In the example
shown, a portion of the routing guide 345 is attached to a bottom
of the rear panel 332 and another portion of the routing guide 345
is attached to the bottom panel 341 of the block 330.
[0127] The routing guide 345 includes spaced channel members 346
from which retention tabs 347 extend (e.g., upwardly and/or
downwardly) to define a curved routing channel. The curved routing
guide 345 extends from a first end 348, which may be disposed at
the exit 358 of the termination bock, to a second end 349. In some
implementations, the first and second ends 348, 349 do not face in
opposite directions. In certain implementations, the first and
second ends 348, 349 of the routing guide 345 face in generally the
same direction. In the example shown, the routing guide 345 is
constructed and adapted so that the second end 349 is located about
flush with the first end 348. In the example shown, the routing
guide 345 is generally C-shaped (see FIG. 67). In other
implementations, however, the routing guide 345 may be routing
guide 345 may be J-shaped, U-shaped, S-shaped, or Y-shaped. In the
example shown, the second end 349 of the guide 345 is
trumpet-shaped.
[0128] A fiber termination arrangement 350 is disposed within the
interior of the termination block 330. In certain implementations,
the fiber termination arrangement 350 is coupled to the main panel
331. Each fiber termination arrangement 350 includes at least one
adapter module 351 slidably mounted between two walls 352. Each
sliding adapter modules 351 is configured to slide between the
walls 352 along a slide axis A.sub.S between at least a
non-extended position and an extended position to provide selective
access to fiber optic connectors 353, 354 mounted thereat.
[0129] In certain implementations, each adapter module 351 is
disposed fully within the block interior when in the non-extended
position (see FIG. 66) and at least a portion of the adapter module
351 extends at least partially out of the block interior when in
the extended position. In certain implementations, the connectors
353, 354 of an adapter module 351 are disposed fully outside the
block interior when the adapter module 351 is in the extended
position. In one implementation, each adapter module 351 is
disposed fully outside of the block interior when in the extended
position.
[0130] Each of the termination blocks 330 is oriented so that the
slide axis A.sub.S of each adapter module 351 extends at least
partially between the first and second sides 303, 304 of the rack
300. In certain implementations, the termination blocks 330 are
oriented so that moving an adapter module 351 to the extended
position causes the adapter module 351 to move away from the rack
300. In certain implementations, the adapter modules 351 slide at
least partially in an upward-downward direction when slid along
axis A.sub.S.
[0131] In the example shown in FIGS. 59-61, the adapter modules 351
of termination blocks 330 pull upwardly and towards the second side
304 when moved from the non-extended position to the extended
position. If termination blocks were to be added to the first side
303 of the rack 300 in FIGS. 59-61, then the adapter modules 351 of
first side termination blocks 330 would pull at least partially
towards the first side 303 when moved from the non-extended
position to the extended position. In certain implementations, the
adapter modules 351 of first side termination blocks 330 would
slide at least partially upwardly when moved to the extended
position. In certain implementations, the termination blocks
mounted to the first side 303 of the rack 300 would be mirror
images of the termination blocks mounted to the second side 304 of
the rack 300.
[0132] In certain implementations, the slide axis A.sub.S of each
adapter module 351 extends through a longitudinal axis of the
adapter module 351. For example, the slide axis A.sub.S may extend
at an angle relative to the main panel 331 (e.g., see FIG. 66). In
certain implementations, all of the adapter modules 351 in a
termination block 330 move in the same direction when each is moved
to the extended position. In other orientations, the termination
blocks 330 may be disposed in any desired orientation.
[0133] In some implementations, the termination arrangement 350 is
oriented so that the walls 352 extend outwardly from the main panel
331 and extend generally parallel to the front and rear panels 340,
332 of the termination block 330. The walls 352 are spaced from
each other in a front-rear direction. Each of the adapter modules
351 defines a plurality of first ports facing upwardly towards the
top panel 333 and a plurality of second ports facing downwardly
towards the bottom panel 341. In certain implementations, the
adapter modules 351 include additional optical circuitry contained
in a module housing that slides with the ports. Accordingly, a
first set of optical connectors 353 extend towards the top panel
333 when the connectors 353 are plugged into the first ports and a
second set of optical connectors 354 extend towards the bottom
panel 341 when the connectors 354 are plugged into the second
ports.
[0134] A first set of guide fingers 343 is provided at the top
portion of the termination block interior between the top panel 333
and the termination arrangement 350. The guide fingers 343 provide
bend radius limiting surface 357 that curve downwardly from the
entrance 356 towards the termination arrangement 350 (FIGS. 66 and
68). A second set of guide fingers 344 is provided at the bottom
portion of the termination block interior between the bottom panel
341 and the termination arrangement 350. The guide fingers 344
provide bend radius limiting surface 359 that curve upwardly from
the exit 358 towards the termination arrangement 350. In certain
implementations, the bend radius limiting surfaces 359 of the
second guide fingers 344 curve in an opposite direction from the
bend radius limiting surfaces 357 of the first guide fingers
343.
[0135] In the example shown, the termination block 330 holds
twenty-four adapter modules 351. In other implementations, however,
the termination block 330 may hold a greater or lesser number of
adapter modules 351. For example, some non-limiting example
termination blocks 330 may hold two, eight, twelve, thirty-six,
forty-eight, of fifty adapter modules 351. In certain
implementations, a first guide finger 343 is aligned with the first
ports of each adapter module 351 and a second guide finger 344 is
aligned with the second ports of each adapter module 351.
Accordingly, in the example shown, the termination block 330 holds
twenty-four first guide fingers 343, and twenty-four second guide
fingers 344. In other implementations, however, the termination
block 330 may hold a greater or lesser number of guide fingers 343,
344.
[0136] The fiber termination arrangement 350 may be implemented
using any of the termination arrangements disclosed herein. For
example, in some implementations, the termination arrangement 350
may be implemented using the sliding adapter modules 120 and walls
140 disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1-30. In other
implementations, the termination arrangement 350 may be implemented
using the sliding adapter modules 200 disclosed above with
reference to FIGS. 31-39. In still other implementations, other
types of sliding adapter modules and/or wall structures may be
utilized.
[0137] In some implementations, the adapter modules 351 include one
or more separately formed adapters mounted to a rack. In other
implementations, the adapter modules 351 include blocks of
integrally formed adapters. In still other implementations, the
adapter modules 351 may be in the form of a cassette that includes
fiber optic adapters on a first side. A multi-fiber connector or a
cable extends outwardly from a second side of the cassette.
Additional details pertaining to one example of such a cassette can
be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/645,634, filed Oct. 5,
2012, having Attorney Docket No. 02316.3207USU1, entitled "FIBER
OPTIC CASSETTE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0138] In certain implementations, the sliding adapter modules 351
may be configured to collect physical layer information from one or
more of the fiber optic connectors 353, 354 received thereat. For
example, the adapter modules 351 may include media reading
interfaces as disclosed above. The walls 352 of the termination
arrangement 350 may define conductive paths that are configured to
connect the media reading interfaces of the adapter modules 351
with a circuit board (e.g., see master circuit board 250 of FIG.
3). One or more electrical cables may be routed along the rack 300
to the circuit board 250. For example, the circuit board may be
mounted to the main panel 331 and the electrical cables may be
plugged into a socket disposed at the termination block 330 and
connected to the circuit board.
[0139] FIGS. 71-75 illustrate some non-limiting example cable
routing paths through the rack 300. FIG. 71 shows a side
elevational view of a tracking block 330 containing the termination
arrangement 350. Three cable routing paths are depicted in FIG. 71.
A first cable routing path leads from the termination arrangement
350 to a front 301 of the rack 300. For example, cables extending
along the first routing path may have a first end connected at a
first termination block of a rack and a second end connected at a
second termination block of the same rack. Slack storage from the
cables may be stored at the cable storage arrangement 310.
[0140] A second cable routing path leads from the termination
arrangement 350 to the rear side 302 of the termination block 330,
through the curved routing guide 345, and into a vertical channel
as disclosed herein with reference to FIG. 75. The vertical channel
leads to a guideway system (e.g., a track system). Cables extending
along the second routing path may have a first end connected at a
first termination block of a rack and a second end connected to
optical equipment at a location remote from the rack.
[0141] A third cable routing path leads from the termination
arrangement 350 to the horizontal troughs 307 at the rear side 302
of the rack 300. For example, cables extending along the third
routing path may have a first end connected at a first termination
block of a rack and a second end connected at a second termination
block disposed at a different side of the same rack or at a second
rack. Each end of each cable enters the respective termination
block along the third cable routing path. The second rack also
includes horizontal troughs that align with the horizontal troughs
307 of the rack 300 to enable cables to extend between racks.
[0142] To better illustrate the first cable routing path, a first
optical cable 360 is shown routed into the top portion of the
termination block interior through the entrance 356. For example,
the first optical cable 360 may be routed up the front routing
trough 336 and between the radius limiters 334, 335. An end 364 of
the first optical cable 360 is routed through the first set of
guide fingers 343 towards the termination arrangement 350. The end
364 is terminated at a first optical connector 353A, which is
plugged into one of the first ports of one of the sliding adapter
modules 351 of the termination arrangement 350.
[0143] The guide fingers 343, 344 extend outwardly from the main
panel 331 sufficient to accommodate movement of the sliding adapter
modules 351. For example, when a sliding adapter module 351 moves
from a non-extended position to an extended position, the optical
fibers extending outwardly from the first and second ports of the
adapter module 351 slide sideways along a bend radius limiter
surface defined by a respective one of the guide fingers 343.
[0144] To better illustrate the second cable routing path, a second
optical cable 370 connects to the first optical cable 360 at the
termination arrangement 350. For example, the second optical cable
370 has a first end 372 that is terminated by a second optical
connector 354A, which is plugged into one of the second ports of
one of the sliding adapter modules 351 of the termination
arrangement 350. The second optical connector 354A is aligned and
optically coupled to the first optical connector 353A via the
adapter module 351. Moving the adapter module 351 to the extended
position enhances access to the optical connectors 353A, 353B.
[0145] The second optical cable 370 is routed out of the bottom
portion of the termination block interior through the exit 358. For
example, the second optical cable 370 extends downwardly from the
terminated end 372, through the second set of guide fingers 344,
towards the bottom panel 341 of the termination block 330. The
second optical cable 370 exits the termination block interior
through exit 358 and enters the curved routing guide 345. The
curved routing guide 345 directs the second optical cable 370 to a
vertical channel of the rack 300 for distribution to a horizontal
trough 307, a bottom 305 of the rack 300, or a top 306 of the rack
300.
[0146] To better illustrate the third cable routing path, a third
optical cable 380 extends into the interior of the termination
block 330 through the entrance 356. For example, the third optical
cable 380 may be routed up the front routing trough 336 and between
the radius limiters 334, 335. An end 384 of the third optical cable
380 is routed through the first set of guide fingers 343 towards
the termination arrangement 350. The end 384 is terminated at a
second optical connector 353B, which is plugged into one of the
first ports of another of the sliding adapter modules 351 of the
termination arrangement 350. In the example shown, the third
optical cable 380 is connected to another second optical cable
370', which is routed out of the termination block 330 and into the
curved routing guide 345.
[0147] FIGS. 72 and 73 show the first optical cable 360 entering
the front routing trough 336 of the termination block 330A. As
shown in FIG. 72, the first optical cable 360 may be routed from
the first side 303 of the rack 300, through the cable storage
channels 313-315, to one of the termination blocks 330A disposed on
the second side 304 of the rack 300. For example, the first optical
cable 360 may be routed down the left channel 314, up the central
channel 313, looped over a cable spool 316A, down the central
channel 313, and back up the right channel 315.
[0148] As shown in FIG. 73, the first optical cable 360 exits the
right channel 315 through the slot 318 defined in the outer member
317. The first optical cable 360 extends over the bend radius
limiter 326, into a front portion of the guide trough 320, and up
into the front routing trough 336. For example, the first optical
cable 360 may enter the front routing guide 336 by extending
between the forward radius limiter 324 curving upwardly from the
guide base 321 and the bottom radius limiter 339 curving downwardly
from the front routing trough 336.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 74, the third optical cable 380 is routed
to the termination block 330 from the rear 302 of the rack 300. In
particular, the third optical cable 380 is routed to the
termination block 330 from one of the horizontal troughs 307 at the
rear 302 of the rack 300. In FIG. 74, the third optical cable 380
extends along a rear trough 307 and enters the guide trough 320 at
the second port 327. The third optical cable 380 extends from the
second port 327, along the base 321 of the trough 320, to the front
of the trough 320. The third optical cable 380 extends upwardly
into the forward routing trough 336 from the guide trough 320 by
passing between the forward radius limiter 324 of the guide base
321 and the bottom radius limiter 339 of the front routing trough
336.
[0150] FIG. 75 is a top plan view showing the second optical cable
370 exiting the curved routing guide 345. The second optical cable
730 extends through the routing guide 345, out the trumpet-shaped
port 349, and into a right vertical channel 390 that extends
through the rack 300. The second optical cable 730 may be routed
either upwardly or downwardly within the right vertical channel
390. In certain implementations, the rack 300 also has a left
vertical channel 395 that is spaced from the right vertical channel
390. The vertical channels 390, 395 are located between the block
mounting locations at the first and second sides 303, 304 of the
rack 300.
[0151] In some implementations, the left and right vertical
channels 395, 390 guide the second optical cables 370 to a guideway
system (e.g., an overhead guideway system and/or an underground
guideway system). In certain implementations, the guideway system
leads to optical equipment at which a distal end of the second
optical cable 370 is connects. In other implementations, the
guideway system may lead the second optical cable 370 to another
rack 300.
[0152] Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of
the present invention, modifications and equivalents of the
disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art.
However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be
included within the scope of the claims which are appended
hereto.
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